Syracuse football achieved a notable 31-28 victory against No. 23 Georgia Tech, marking Tech's first loss of the season. The game was characterized by pivotal moments, including a missed field goal by Georgia Tech just before halftime and two empty possessions to start the second half that shifted momentum in favor of Syracuse. First-year Georgia Tech coach Brent Key's comments about physicality in football seemingly motivated his players, particularly after they felt slighted by perceptions of toughness from the Northeast. Meanwhile, Syracuse's quarterback Kyle McCord, who had a strong debut against Ohio, continued to impress, contributing to the team's success. Fans are now looking towards the rest of the season with increased optimism after this win, despite some initial mixed emotions about the team's performance. Overall, the game showcased Syracuse's resilience and highlighted the challenges faced by Georgia Tech.